Oklahoma City Memorial 5K ~ 2013 Edition

I have been looking forward to the Oklahoma City Marathon for months, and in some ways even more so since the bombings at the Boston Marathon. I am Happy and Proud that the Oklahoma City Marathon people reached out to the Boston Marathoners who didn't get to finish Their Race. They were invited to Run in Oklahoma City for Free. Typical behaviour for Runners, I think.
One of the Meteorologists from our local NBC Channel (KFOR) Emily Sutton sang the National Anthem and B-O-Y!! If she ever wants to give up her career in Weather That Girl can SING!! She and one of the other reporters - Joleen Chaney -- ran the Full Marathon and posted a Video about their preparation and why they run on the KFOR Website. It is titled "Team Jo and Em Run2Remember OKC Memorial Marathon". I would post the link if I could, but I am not sure how to get it posted here or if this Laptop will do that?

AT the beginning of the Race, we always have 168 Seconds of Silence to remember the 168 Men, Women,and Children killed in 1995. It is hard to describe how "Silent" it is when a crowd of over 20,000 excited people goes Completely Quiet. I have NEVER heard anything like it!! One year it was raining, and I swear even the rain slowed down during that 168 Seconds!! This morning we added 3 Seconds of Silence in Tribute to the Three people killed in Boston. The only sound this morning was the throb of the helicopters hovering above us.

This is the 4th time I have walked this 5K. The First time -- in 2010 -- was my First Ever 5K!! I was not at all sure what to expect really. I finished that Race in 60 minutes. This morning I finished in 51 Minutes. I was hoping to make it in under 50 minutes, but I will just have to try again next year!! I think I am hooked on 5K's, LOL!!
There was a noticeable Police Presence, but there always is. I was more aware than usual of the Two Helicopters that circled above the Route the entire morning. They maybe are there every year, I am not sure. I also don't remember seeing vehicles and Officers from the Department of Homeland Security there before, but they may have been.

As a show of solidarity and support for Boston, the Organizers of this Race asked everyone to wear Red Socks and Green Shoe Laces this morning. I don't think you could buy a Red Sock in Oklahoma City right now if you tried!! A LOT of people wore them!! I tried to find some all week, and had to settle for some red & blue striped Socks. They looked H-A-W-T with my Lime Green slacks, LOL!!!

After the Race, by the time we walked back to the Parking Area, I had over 10,000 steps on my Pedometer!! To be honest, this is the First time that I really feel like I "Worked" at a race. I usually walk or workout on Sunday afternoon after the Marathon, but I think today I will give myself the day off from the Gym. But most likely I WILL go for a Short Walk later.
We stopped for Breakfast and still made it home in time for Church -- wearing my Race T-Shirt, of course!! I am thankful I have an understanding Church Family!!